Redskins waive offensive lineman, sign former Hokies DL Dadi Nicolas
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins-Virginia Tech pipeline is real.
The Washington Redskins arrived at the 2018 NFL Draft with a Virginia Tech foundation in tow on defense; Torrian Gray had made a name for himself as the team’s defensive back, coaching up the likes of Kendall Fuller, Quinton Dunbar, and others.
The Redskins clung to that pipeline later on in the NFL Draft, much like they’ve preferred Alabama players in Round 1 over the past couple years, selecting former Hokies lineman Tim Settle in Round 5 and cornerback Greg Stroman in Round 7.
When the NFL Supplemental Draft came around, the Redskins couldn’t resist temptation, and threw in a sixth-round flyer for former Hokies defensive back Adonis Alexander. Their thirst for local prospects could only be quenched for so long, however. Today, they added another piece to the capital puzzle, waiving interior lineman Alex Balducci to make way for former Virginia Tech standout Dadi Nicolas.
Redskins signed LB Dadi Nicolas; waived OL Alex Balducci, the team announced.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 1, 2018
Nicolas, drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, was coveted for his exceptional athleticism and drive, but due to his lacking size, power, and a clear positional fit, he took up residence in the later rounds. Standing at 6-foot-3, 239, Nicolas isn’t quite bulky to play on the defensive line in the NFL, but a transition to inside linebacker could prove to be cumbersome.
The Chiefs used Nicolas as a defensive end, and in his rookie season, he did accumulate a wealth of playing time, although meaningful stats eluded him. He missed the 2017 season with an injury and was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns in May. The trade was soon voided, however, and Nicolas would soon be claimed by the Seattle Seahawks, where he stayed for only a month.
A free agent since June, Nicolas offers the Redskins plenty of intrigue, but it’s unclear how they’ll use him. Over his career at Virginia Tech, he amassed 35.5 tackles for loss, 17.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Nicolas’ most likely path to a roster spot is at edge, where the Redskins have the least tangible depth. But Nicolas might not have all the traits necessary to succeed there.
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The signing itself, however, is inconsequential. The Redskins swapped a training camp center for a training camp edge rusher who has some experience with the team’s personnel. Nicolas’ athletic traits are enticing, if nothing else. He logged a 41-inch vertical a 4.74 40-yard dash, and a 7.04 three-cone drill time in the 2016 NFL Combine. He has undeniable potential. Time will tell if he can reach it.